Image: "The Creation of God", 2021, "Lone Mountain" (11,166') near Big Sky, Montana
Revelation 3:2 Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Revelation 3:9–10 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 3:17–18 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see.
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In chapter 3 the Spirit addresses three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Here we have a very insightful perspective on the character of various churches down to this day.
Sardis is a church that has a reputation for vitality, energetic works, and "life". Perhaps it shows forth a flamboyant worship program complete with sterling quality performances both in music and from the pulpit. Yet the Spirit says: "you are dead!" (vs. 1) Jesus' parable of the four seeds told of one that fell on shallow soil and grew up fast and spectacularly. However, when dry season came it was the first to wither because it had no deep roots. Such, I think, is Sardis. Jesus does not entirely condemn it. After all, the seed was planted. They had some acquaintance with the truth and perhaps even a few who sincerely held the faith. Jesus calls on such a church to "hold fast", don't lose any further ground, and "repent" (vs. 3) so as to become more firmly rooted in Christ. We should take this to heart. Perhaps our individual Christian lives have more in common with this than we like to admit. Should we ask the question? "Am I just 'show'?" If, in our heart of hearts, the answer is that we are more like Sardis than not, then we "got some work to do."
Then there is Philadelphia, the youngest of the seven churches addressed in these two chapters. It is interesting that this church, along with Smyrna, does not receive virtually any criticism. Perhaps there is a slight concern that their strength is "small" (translated as "little" above), but that evidently had been sufficient for they have not "denied" the Lord's name and have "kept" His word. I think there is a deliberate contrast here with the church at Sardis which had just been roundly criticized. I remember how Jesus had commended the young children and spoke about how our faith has to be as "naively" trusting as a child if we are to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Perhaps Philadelphia ( which means "city of love") lived up to its name! Certainly, they received the promise that their enemies would come and "worship" (read "fall prostrate in submission") at their feet. Because of this pure spirit, though they had not registered any huge reputation for good works or mighty signs, they received the signal comforting assurance that the world would know that "I have loved you." (vs. 9)
And then there is the church at Laodicea. What a sad commentary these verses make. There is no specific reference to the attributes Jesus displayed in 1:16-18 as there were in the other letters to the churches. Jesus is rather characterized as the "Amen", the "Faithful and True Witness", and "the Beginning of the creation of God." Jesus is here solemnly warning this church that their lamp is indeed close to being removed from the circle. He points the Church's eyes toward the witness of creation, the "Amen" of His own Person being the incarnation of God the Father, and the "Witness" of His earthly ministry, perfect life, atonement, and resurrection. In other words, Jesus is here almost issuing forth an Evangelistic message, calling for them to repent of their vile "lukewarm" love and to get the true "eye salve" of faith which will allow them to see their own wretchedness. Truly Jesus spoke of how hard it was for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of heaven and this church "suffered" from an abundance of wealth and power. It was the single most important church in the region.
Yet for all their abundance and riches, they were feasting alone behind a closed door on which Jesus was knocking. Their comfort actually testified to their perilous condition because Jesus said that "as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" and this church was not feeling the sting of chastening at all.
Perhaps we should learn that we must take heed when all men speak well of us. (Luke 6:26)
Taking all three of these churches together, we see continuity with chapter 2 in general and yet very clear individuation among the recipients. Every church is addressed by speaking straight to its core personality and character. Jesus sees us in terms of our "angel", our core moral and spiritual being. It was said of Him in His earthly ministry that He knew what was in a man's heart (John 6:64) and it is also true of His knowledge of His Churches.
What we must understand is that any "Church" is made up of people just like us. We are our Church and it is the unique nature of each Church to reflect the character of its members and the quality of their faith. Pogo once said, "we have met the enemy and he is us!" This is so true of our churches also. If our church is uncomfortably close to the negative qualities of the churches in these chapters then "repentance" is the order of the day and it must be comprehensive. Each and every one of us must add our repentance to those of our brothers and sisters. Similarly, it is not enough for some of us to love... we must exhort each other to love and good works and so earn the commendation that Jesus gives to churches like Smyrna and Philadelphia.
Christ is among us... He knows us... and though He rebukes and chastens, as appropriate, yet these are expressions of His love and concern and that is our comfort and encouragement.
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